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If someone asks for your number, how do you decide whether to give it to them and what's the best way to politely decline if you decide not to?

Whether to give out your number really depends on the situation. As a general rule, it's best to only give out your number if you've had a chance to talk to the other person for a while and you feel reasonably comfortable with them. You don't want to regret your decision later.

If they don't come across as being creepy and your instincts aren't telling you otherwise, you're off to a good start; but don't give out your number to someone who approaches you rudely or in any way seems disrespectful - they'll be a jerk later as well. Also don't give out your number if you don't feel anything for the person - they'll just feel disappointed later and you won't feel excited getting calls from them.

If you do decide to give them your number, a good way of doing it is to add your number to your phone first and then provided you don't have Caller ID sending turned off, prank their phone (let it ring and hang up) so they get your number. That way you'll have a better way of identifying the person when they do call. It also makes sure you both have each other's correct number and it gives you the chance to add a comment to your phonebook so you remember who the person is and where you met them when they do call.

Until you get to know them well, don't give out too much personal information - like where you work, where you live or where you hang out.

If you don't want to give out your number you can politely decline by saying you're already seeing someone, or ask them to give you their number and say you might call them.

Don't accept someone you've just met on Facebook too soon either so they don't discover too much personal information about you. If you want to chat with them online, learn how to use Facebook's Friend List features and lock down your Facebook profile to people you've only just met so only limited information about you is visible.